Bowness Park boat shop and lagoon with still water and reflection

Bowness Park Rentals

The University of Calgary Outdoor Centre works with the City of Calgary to operate the boathouse, train rides and skate rentals at Bowness Park. We enjoy being part of fun, family-friendly activities that are truly part of the Calgary experience.

The Outdoor Centre, part of the Faculty of Kinesiology, has been renting gear and teaching outdoor skills for over 40 years. Our goal is to provide you the experience, knowledge, and equipment you need to make outdoor activity a regular part of your active lifestyle. With our experienced team of coordinators and thousands of satisfied users every year, we're confident that we can provide you a memorable outdoor experience.

For park hours, wading pool information, or picnic site bookings, please go to Bowness Park on the City of Calgary website.

Boat rentals are open for the season.

Stay informed about our operational status - whether we're open, closed, or temporarily closed due to conditions - by checking our live calendar below.

Bowness Park boathouse with boats from across small lagoon channel

Bowness Park Summer Boathouse and Mini-Train

Bring the family down to Bowness Park and paddle the lagoon or ride the mini-train. It's a Calgary tradition.

Summer Boathouse & Rental hours

Summer 2026: The boathouse is open for the season

Rent canoes, kayaks, and pedal boats at the Boathouse during the summer season. Boat rentals end 45 minutes before closing to allow for returns. 

Purchase Mini-Train Tickets at the Rental Kiosk starting July 1.
First Train: 11 a.m. Last Train: 3:45 p.m. (ticket sales close 3:30 p.m.)

OPERATIONAL HOURS SUMMER 2026

  • Spring (Victoria Day Weekend - June 30)
    • Fridays: 2–8 p.m. (last rental 7:15 p.m.) Train not operational.
    • Saturdays and Sundays: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. (last rental 7:15 p.m.) Train not operational.
  • Summer (July 1 - Labour Day Weekend)
    • Daily: 10 a.m.– 8 p.m. (last rental 7:15 p.m.) Train operational
  • Fall (Labour Day - late September/October pending water levels)
    • Fridays: 2–8 p.m. (last rental 7:15 p.m.) Train not operational
    • Saturdays and Sundays: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. (last rental 7:15 p.m.) Train not operational

Rentals are on a first-come, first-serve basis and we do not take reservations for the equipment. 
The dates and hours of operation are weather dependent. In the event of poor weather or a severe weather warning, all boats will be called off the lagoon for the safety of our customers, and the boathouse will close. 

 

Summer Rental Pricing

Rentals are walk-up only, first-come-first-serve. We are unable to take reservations or pre-bookings. Payment is by debit or credit card only, no cash.

Prices are per boat and include safety equipment. Must be 18+ to rent and valid photo ID is required. Persons less than 16 years of age must be accompanied by a guardian while out on the water.

Pedal boats (2 people + 2 small children)

  • 30 min: $20
  • 1 hour: $30
  • 2-3 hours: $40

Canoes (2 people + 1 small child in the middle maximum)

  • 30 min: $20
  • 1 hour: $30
  • 2-3 hours: $40

Kayaks (1 person per single kayak; 2 persons per double kayak)

  • 30 min: $20
  • 1 hour: $30
  • 2-3 hours: $40

Train Tickets (at Rental Kiosk)

  • Single - $5
  • Family - $10 (1-2 adults/youth, 2-3 small children)

Please note: These are the only items available to rent at Bowness Park. Visit our University of Calgary location for all other gear rentals. We do not take reservations for Bowness Park rental items.

Frozen Bowness Lagoon with several people skating on a sunny day

Winter Skate & Ski Shop

Skating on the lagoon is fun for the whole family. Stop by the skate shop to rent skates and ice bikes.

Winter Ski & Skate Shop Hours

The Skate Shop is currently closed. 

Rent skates and ice bikes at the Boathouse during the winter season.

Rentals end 45 minutes before closing to allow for returns. 

TYPICAL OPERATIONAL HOURS

  • Holiday Period (late December through early January)
    Daily: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. (last rental 7:15 p.m.)
  • December 25
    11 a.m. – 6 p.m. (last rental 5:15 p.m.)
  • January through mid-March (pending ice conditions).
    • Fridays: 5:30–8:00 p.m. (last rental 7:15 p.m.)
    • Saturdays and Sundays: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. (last rental 7:15 p.m.)

Rentals are on a first-come, first-serve basis and we do not reserve the equipment. Bowness rentals will remain closed if the temperature is forecast to be -20 or below, or if the wind chill is forecast to feel like -25 or below.

Winter Rental Pricing

You must be 18+ to rent. Youth size 8 to Adult size 13 available.

Hockey Skates: 

  • 1 hour: $12
  • 2-3 hours: $20      

Ice Bike:

  • 30 min: $12
  • 1 hour: $20

Skate Aid: 1 hour: $8

Helmets: Free

Skate Sharpening: $10/pair

Please note: These are the only items available to rent at Bowness Park. Visit our University of Calgary location for all other gear rentals.


Bowness Park

Location

The Boathouse, Mini-Train and Skate Shop are located near the park entrance, close to the west side of the lagoon.

8900 48 Ave NW Calgary, AB T3B 2B2

Parking

There is free parking at the facility. 

City of Calgary Bowness Park Parking Map

Looking for instruction? Check out our Custom Group Lessons

Questions? Contact:

Emilie Graver
Bowness Supervisor
bownesssupervisor@ucalgary.ca